Jesus said, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." But it seems that "Caesar" now controls just about everything outside the confines of a person's home or church. And the Chrristian ideal, "turn the other cheek," for instance, is simply not practical in today's world. Can you imagine Bush telling Bin Ladin, "Go ahead and attack. We'll turn the other cheek."
2007-09-28 16:54:10 · 5 answers · asked by Sincere-Advisor 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
What exactly is Caesar entitled to? Is Caesar entitled to tax whatever he decides? Was Jesus advocating legalized theft, just like any regular communist, socialist, collectivist? Did Jesus have in mind a specific quantity of money that Caesar was entitled to extract from the citizens? And what is that "perfect and divine" amount today?
2007-09-28 17:04:58 · answer #1 · answered by DrEvol 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Good point. Governments have to act in the best interest of all their citizens, not just Christians. Jesus also said there would always be war and spoke of war at the end of time. I think 'turn the other cheek' is for the individual, not the government. And, yeah, most things are controlled by the government. But, did you know that there is NO LAW that says we have to pay federal income tax? That is something that we give to Caesar that is NOT his!
2007-09-28 16:59:38 · answer #2 · answered by The Nana of Nana's 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Doesn't this question make you think twice regarding adopting Christianity as your religion of choice?
As for me, I've found the one true religion; Islam. Islam is practical and satisfies me both mentally and spiritually. Islam is the only solution.
2007-09-29 08:35:26 · answer #3 · answered by Ash'ari Maturidi 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Giving unto Caesar" is the equivelent of respect for those in government authority, the police and tax assassor and so on.
2007-09-28 17:04:26 · answer #4 · answered by Nash 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Jesus' teachings are no longer practical. Interesting.
And the Christians accuse atheists of blasphemy ...
EDIT: Ha! I love the thumbs-down! You people judge others all the time, but when it comes to living by your own standards, you find excuses for why you're exempt. Thanks for reminding me why I no longer have anything to do with you hypocrites.
2007-09-28 16:58:56 · answer #5 · answered by Cap'n Zeemboo 3 · 2⤊ 3⤋